It’s cocktail-ring hour for the bride

Maximal jewellery has been ruling runways and red carpets: Kylie Jenner’s massive emerald-cut diamond ring at Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday, Zendaya’s dramatic emerald and diamond Bvlgari pieces, Janhvi Kapoor’s love for India-modern ring settings—and even the costume departments of our favourite dramas Kim K-starrer All’s Fair, where lavish, gem-forward rings are practically characters in themselves. It’s safe to say, this wedding season belongs to maximalism. Big, sculptural, hyper-visible pieces are back—and nothing embodies this shift as powerfully as the cocktail ring. Brides and wedding guests are embracing the idea of rocking one bold piece over many small ones, turning oversized rings into the easiest, chicest way to dial up glamour without weighing themselves down.

For brides, the cocktail ring fits seamlessly into this aesthetic tilt. It’s a single statement that doesn’t compete with the traditional wedding jewellery set—making it ideal for sangeets, poolside mehendi ceremonies or reception looks where they want a hit of modernity. For guests, it’s the perfect way to elevate a familiar outfit or add a jolt of colour to a neutral palette. In the age of high-definition wedding photography, a bold ring also has incredible visual payoff.

Interestingly, the cocktail ring has always been tied to moments of bold self-expression. Its origins trace back to the 1920s American Prohibition era, when women at underground cocktail parties wore oversized rings as quiet symbols of rebellion and to celebrate their newfound social freedom. These rings were dramatic on purpose—large, coloured stones, unconventional shapes, and exaggerated settings designed to catch the eye during a toast.

Fast forward to the present, when Indian jewellers are responding to the maximal moment with a wave of breathtaking designs. Alok Lodha and Gems and Jewels Palace are crafting rings centred on large rubies and emeralds—pieces that feel almost sculptural in their scale. Goenka India, with its emerald-first design DNA, is embracing the rich green stone to create rings that feel both regal and high-impact. 

If diamonds are your language, Kantilal Chotalal and Rare Heritage offer two interpretations. Rare Heritage uses clusters of diamonds to build dramatic, almost architectural silhouettes. Kantilal Chotalal’s oversized flower ring—anchored by a chunky yellow diamond—feels like a natural fit for a maximal mehendi look.

Then there’s The House of Rose, whose multicoloured floral rings play with emeralds, pink sapphires, rubies and tanzanite. They’re wearable bouquets, perfect for the bride leaning fully into colour, joy and maximal glamour.

One thing is clear: in a season defined by ‘go big or go home’, the cocktail ring is the accessory rewriting the rules.